Choquequirao 2D/1N: a new route to the Cradle of Gold

The Lost City of the Incas opens its doors to a new generation of explorers. In 2026, a completely renewed route will shorten the hiking time to the Choquequirao archaeological complex, a jewel of Peru's archaeological heritage nestled in the Andes of Cusco.
With this innovative Amazonian route, promoted by the Municipality of Santa Teresa (La Convención), you can reach the Inca ruins of Choquequirao in just 8 hours of trekking, enjoying waterfalls, natural viewpoints and the lush landscapes of the Apurímac valley.

Wayraq Perú, an agency with more than 10 years of experience in adventure tourism and cultural routes, invites you to be part of this new journey: Choquequirao 2D/1N – New Route to the Cradle of Gold 2026, an experience that brings together history, nature and excitement in the heart of Peru.

• Duration: 2 days / 1 night
• Type of trip: Adventure trek with an overnight stay at a campsite
• Distance from Cusco: approx. 270 km (4 hours by vehicle)
• Route: San Juan – Yanama – Salkantay Basin
• Choquequirao altitude: 3,035 m a.s.l.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Climate: Warm and humid on the Amazonian route, mild in Choquequirao
• Recommended season: April to November (dry season)

This new route to Choquequirao is a revolution in access to the Inca citadel, letting you get there in less time and with more comfort, without losing the charm of an Andean trek. Unlike traditional routes such as Cachora – Choquequirao, which take 2 to 3 days of climbing, this Amazonian route shortens the journey to an 8-hour hike, ideal for those who want to live the full experience in just two days.

Day 1: Cusco – Yanama – Choquequirao

We will set off early from the city of Cusco, at around 4:00 a.m., heading for the village of Yanama, 270 kilometers away, along a road surrounded by Andean landscapes and rural communities.
After about 4 hours of travel, we will reach the trailhead, where our adventure along the new San Juan – Yanama – Salkantay Basin Amazonian route begins.

Along the way, the trail offers a blend of Andean nature and Amazonian vegetation: crystal-clear streams, waterfalls, natural viewpoints and the rich flora and fauna of Choquequirao, home to endemic birds such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock and many species of orchids.

After 8 hours of hiking, we will arrive at the impressive Choquequirao Archaeological Park, where we will camp and spend the night under clear skies, overlooking the Apurímac canyon. A unique experience in the heart of the Andes.

Day 2: Choquequirao – Yanama – Cusco

At dawn, we will get up at 6:00 a.m. to begin exploring the Choquequirao archaeological site with our specialized guide.
For about two hours we will tour the main sectors: the main plaza, the farming terraces, the temples of the sun and water, and the natural viewpoints overlooking the deep Apurímac valley.

At the end of the visit, we will begin our return along the same route, enjoying the mountain scenery once again. We will reach the parking area at around 4:00 p.m., where our private transport will take us back to Cusco.
Arrival is scheduled between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m., with the tour ending at Plaza San Francisco.

• Acclimatization: spend at least one day in Cusco before starting the trek.
• What to bring: trekking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a rain poncho, light clothing for the day and warm layers for the night.
• Altitude at Choquequirao: 3,035 m a.s.l.; although it is not considered extreme, staying well hydrated is recommended.
• Tips for traveling to Choquequirao: bring a camera, energy snacks and reusable bags so you leave no waste behind.
• Responsible tourism: Wayraq Perú promotes sustainable tourism, working hand in hand with the local communities of Santa Teresa and Yanama to strengthen rural development and environmental conservation.
• Best times to visit Choquequirao: between April and November, when the weather is drier and the trails are in better condition.

✅ Included in the Choquequirao 2D/1N tour

• Private transport Cusco – Yanama – Cusco
• Entrance to the Choquequirao Archaeological Park
• Professional bilingual guide specialized in adventure tourism
• 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner and energy snacks
• Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, cooking utensils)
• First aid kit and oxygen
• Trekking poles (optional, on request)
• Constant communication and logistical support

❌ Not included

• Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
• Alcoholic or personal drinks
• Tips for the staff
• Travel insurance
• Entrance to other attractions not mentioned in the itinerary

🌄 A new way to discover Choquequirao

The new 2026 Amazonian route to Choquequirao marks a turning point for hiking in Peru. With a shorter, more accessible trek, travelers can discover one of the most impressive Inca citadels in the country, enjoying the perfect balance of adventure, culture and Andean nature.

At Wayraq Perú, we invite you to be part of this story. Be one of the first to walk the new San Juan – Yanama – Salkantay Basin route, designed to bring Choquequirao closer to the world without losing its ancestral essence.

Book your 2D/1N experience now and walk the path to the Cradle of Gold of the Incas.
Explore the trail to Choquequirao, take in the landscapes of Apurímac and discover why this place is considered Cusco's best-kept secret.

• More than a decade exploring the Andes stands behind us.
• Travel with an agency that combines safety, culture and a passion for sustainable tourism.
• Because every step toward Choquequirao is a story worth telling.